[Yulpub] Fwd: [DIG_REF] a new standard definition of reference?

[Suzanne Lorimer]

Colleagues--

Please consider taking a look at the new definition of "reference" that RUSA is
disseminating and commenting on it if you have a moment.

http://www.rusablog.org/blog/_archives/2007/11/14/3352903.html

As a member of the RUSA RSS committee that drafted the new definition, I can
attest to the fact that this was an excruciating experience.  But not as
excruciating as it will be to continue to use the current definition of
"reference" that's now 23 years old.

-Sue

----- Forwarded message from lisah at MIT.EDU -----
    Date: Tue, 27 Nov 2007 12:36:00 -0500
    From: "Lisa R. Horowitz" <lisah at MIT.EDU>
Reply-To: Discussion of digital reference services <DIG_REF at LISTSERV.SYR.EDU>
 Subject: [DIG_REF] a new standard definition of reference?
      To: DIG_REF at LISTSERV.SYR.EDU

[This has been posted to multiple lists. Please excuse the duplication. The full
posting is available at
http://www.rusablog.org/blog/_archives/2007/11/14/3352903.html.]



A New Standard Definition of Reference?

To those with an interest in Reference:

The definition of reference is the basis for measuring and assessing reference
services in libraries. It is critical that the "standard" definition engender
trust in order to be applied appropriately. With that in mind, we ask you to
comment on this issue in the RUSA blog, at
http://www.rusablog.org/blog/_archives/2007/11/14/3352903.html. There, I have
posted the current definition, as well as two other current standards and the
two new alternatives.

Given the major changes in libraries today, the Reference and User Services
Association (RUSA), a division of ALA, has made it a priority to reconsider the
definition of "reference." The official RUSA-approved definition of a reference
transaction was adopted in 1984.  Although many different groups and
organizations have discussed the issue since then, RUSA has not yet officially
adopted a new definition. 

Members of the Reference Services Section (RSS) have been charged by the RUSA
Board to present a proposal for a new definition (or reaffirm the existing
definition) at the ALA Midwinter Meeting in January. The RUSA Board hopes to
advocate for the new definition as a standard.

As you may know, RSS has done some of this work already. You can see a
chronological bibliography of  the Definitions of Reference Service, done by
the RSS Evaluation of Reference and User Services Committee in 2004, at
http://www.ala.org/ala/rusa/rusaourassoc/rusasections/rss/rsssection/rsscomm/evaluationofref/refdefbibrev.pdf.

That same committee has also gathered comments at two ALA Midwinter Forums (2001
and 2002) on the collection and management of reference statistics and
services;  compiled a comprehensive checklist of reference activities;
surveyed ALA and library listserv members to develop a checklist of activities
that represent reference work for the 21st century (see attached document); and
held a program/public discussion at ALA Annual 2004, Orlando, FL. The committee
has come up with a definition of reference that comprises "reference work" as
well as the "reference transaction." Separately, a RUSA Ad Hoc Task Force on
the Reference Transaction focused on the reference transaction in an alternate
way.

Please read these definitions and post your comments. Let us know what makes
sense to you.  Whether you advocate for one of the proposed definitions,
suggest revisions, or say that you like the 1984 version, your input will be
taken seriously.  This is your opportunity to shape the discussion of one of
the core issues in our field.  Comments will be accepted through December 8,
2007, at which point, the RSS leadership will come up with a proposal to
present to the RUSA Board. We look forward to hearing from you.

Lisa R. Horowitz
Chair, RUSA Reference Services Section (RSS) 
 
**********************************************************
Lisa R. Horowitz
Coordinator of Central Reference Services,
MIT Libraries
lisah at mit.edu / 617-253-9353 / f 617-253-3109

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----- End forwarded message -----


Suzanne Lorimer
Coordinator of Research Services
Sterling Memorial Library
Yale University
P.O. Box 208240
New Haven, CT 06520-8240
(203) 432-8371